Conny Waters – AncientPages.com – Archaeologists had long suspected that something lay hidden beneath the building, though the extent of the ancient structure’s survival was uncertain. In a fortunate development, the excavation team uncovered something extraordinary.
A section of wall from the Roman Basilica © MOLA
The excavations were conducted in the basement of 85 Gracechurch Street, a commercial building adjacent to Leadenhall Market in London’s City area. Decades of research and prior excavations had already informed MOLA scientists that this site was located above the northern end of the first Roman Basilica. However, nothing could have prepared them for their findings when Hertshten Properties, owners of the site, requested new investigations ahead of the planned redevelopment.
While it was known that parts of the Basilica might lie beneath this location, predicting how much—if any—of it remained intact was challenging. It seemed likely that any remnants would have been disrupted by subsequent Roman and more recent construction activities. To assess potential preservation levels, archaeologists dug several test pits (small archaeological trenches) strategically placed where they anticipated walls and foundations might be found.
“What we revealed was extraordinary. Within the test pits were massive foundations and walls made of flint, ragstone, and Roman tile – in some areas we believe these are over 10m long, 1m wide, and 4m deep. It was clear significant parts of the Basilica still lay beneath 85 Gracechurch Street!”
One of the test pits containing Roman walls © MOLA
What makes this discovery even more special is the fact we believe these foundations are within an area of the Basilica known as the Tribunal. Here, upon a raised stage, magistrates, political leaders, and important officials would have made major decisions about the government of London and possibly beyond, shaping the City’s past and present. 2,000 years ago, this spot was the heart of Roman London,” the archeologists say in a press release.
The First London Forum
The Basilica was an integral part of the Roman Forum, serving as the political, judicial, commercial, and social center for both residents and visitors of Londinium. Experts believe it was constructed in the late 70s or 80s AD during Agricola’s governorship (78-84 AD). Strategically positioned on a high point in the city and built on a raised platform, it covered an area comparable to a football pitch. This structure symbolized Roman power and authority, likely extending over two storeys. In front of it lay an open courtyard where locals gathered for markets, festivals, and public announcements.
A reconstruction drawing of the first London Forum © Peter Marsden
Interestingly, the first Roman Forum had a relatively short lifespan before construction began on a much larger second forum about 20 years later. This new forum was nearly five times larger; its courtyard alone matched Trafalgar Square’s size and reflected Britannia’s rapid growth at that time. While much of the first Forum remained operational until the second one was completed, it was eventually demolished. As a result, details about the interior design of the first Basilica are scarce.
Currently, MOLA archaeologists are conducting excavations at Gracechurch Street with hopes of uncovering more information about its appearance through further discoveries.
“This is one of the most significant discoveries made in the City in recent years. It’s like discovering the Speaker’s Chair and chamber of the House of Commons, 2,000 years into the future. The levels of preservation of the Basilica have far exceeded our expectations, and we have possibly the most important part of the building.
Excitingly, we’ve only just scratched the surface of this site’s potential through our initial investigations. We look forward to discovering more about these remains, working with the site owners, London Museum, and City of London Corporation to develop a truly unique and captivating archaeological experience and public space,” Sophie Jackson, MOLA Director of Development said.
See also: More Archaeology News
Hertshten Properties is planning to incorporate the historically significant Roman remains discovered in the City of London into their updated plans for 85 Gracechurch Street. Collaborating with site owners and project partners Shaw Corporation, Gardiner and Theobold, and Woods Bagot architects, they are developing proposals for a new public exhibition, event space, and immersive experience in partnership with London Museum.
This initiative aims to provide visitors with a unique opportunity to experience early Roman London while narrating the city’s historical development. An updated planning application is anticipated for submission in spring 2025.
Upon approval, full excavations will commence on-site, potentially unveiling more details about the Basilica’s construction and interior. The new visitor experience is projected to open between 2029 and 2030.
Written by Conny Waters – AncientPages.com Staff Writer
